Volunteer Interview
Kevin's Story: Bridging Cultures Through Education
"During my volunteering in Bali, I had the incredible opportunity to teach English at a local school. This experience changed my life, and I’m excited to share the journey, the obstacles I overcame" Kevin, Media - Informatics at the University FH -Furtwangen, Germany
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Kevin, a 21-year-old student from Germany, joined a volunteer teaching program in Bali, where his passion for working with children truly grew. His 10-week experience in Kerobokan became a transformative journey, full of challenges, cultural discovery, and meaningful connections. Read on to learn how this life-changing opportunity shaped Kevin’s path and what future volunteers can expect from this unforgettable experience.
Passion Becomes Reality
I’ve always wanted to work with children, and teaching English seemed like the perfect way to make a meaningful impact. I believe that learning English opens up opportunities for children to connect with the world. After researching different volunteer programs, I found one that allowed me to teach English to underprivileged children while contributing to a cause close to my heart. Having worked with children before, including helping my younger brother with his English homework, I felt confident in my ability to teach. I was excited to bring my energy and experience to Bali, where I knew I could make a real difference.
Overcoming Barrier
Although I was initially worried about the language barrier, I was quickly embraced by the children and staff. The kids were enthusiastic about learning, and we found creative ways to communicate, despite the language differences. Their eagerness to learn English was inspiring, and I loved refining their pronunciation through games, songs, and interactive lessons. Teaching through music, especially with my guitar, became one of my favorite aspects of the experience. It was a fun and engaging way to connect with the children and make the lessons memorable.
Fascinating Local Culture
A highlight of my time in Bali was learning about the local culture. Every Thursday, the children wore traditional Balinese clothing, giving me a meaningful way to connect with the culture. I also joined the children in their daily rituals, such as morning ceremonies, where we sang together. These experiences were invaluable, offering deeper insights into the culture and enriching my overall journey.
Unwavering Supports
The support I received from Bali Internships was outstanding. From the moment I applied, the team guided me through the process, helping with everything from accommodation to settling into the local community. Their attention to detail allowed me to focus on teaching without worrying about logistics.
The accommodation was comfortable and located in a peaceful, local area that quickly felt like home. Bali’s beauty and vibrant atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind after a day of teaching.
An (Internship) Journey to Remember
Looking back, my time in Bali has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Teaching and learning from the children, engaging with a new culture, and being part of a program that truly makes a difference has been invaluable. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to volunteer abroad. The support from Bali Internships made the entire experience seamless, and it was a chance to grow personally while contributing to something meaningful. For me, Bali in three words will be: open-minded, paradise, family.
By Billy Bagus